Cassidian – the defence and security division of the European EADS – is developing its Indian operations into a ‘regional hub’ for tapping growth opportunities in the Asia-Pacific markets.

Recently, the company appointed Dr Peter Gutsmiedl as the first Head of Asia-Pacific in addition to his role as CEO India. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with Dr Gutsmiedl, by Huma Siddiqui.

Recently you were appointed Head of Asia-Pacific for Cassidian in addition to your function as CEO India. How does that change your role?

In this new role, I am now also responsible for expanding Cassidian’s Indian

operations into a regional hub with the aim of positioning Cassidian for sustainable growth

across Asia-Pacific. This additional task reflects a realignment of our global business structure:

To better tap growth opportunities worldwide, Cassidian has reorganized its newly integrated Sales & International Operations Division along the lines of three major regions – Asia-Pacific, Americas and EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa). Within Asia, India plays a strategic role for Cassidian and continues to be the main focus. But we see considerable additional potential in this region. Using our India operations as a springboard to spread our reach across the Asia-Pacific region will further enhance India’s importance for Cassidian.

In 2011, Cassidian inaugurated India’s first defence oriented engineering center owned by a foreign company in Bengaluru. How satisfied are you with its progress?

I am very satisfied with what we have achieved. We have made a lot of progress

towards integrating Bengaluru into Cassidian’s global technology network. Some examples will give you an idea of the cutting-edge work underway at this Center: Our staff there designed and engineered a High Accuracy Air Pressure Measurement System. This critical on-board sensor provides pilots with highly accurate altitude readings. This contributes to a safe operation of the aircraft in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum fly zones. We also engineered a Structurally Integrated Antenna for satellite and GPS communication in military aircrafts. This innovative technology helps reduce aerodynamic drag and enhances stealth of the aircraft.

Both examples underline our endeavor to develop Cassidian’s Indian Engineering Center into a global ‘Center of Excellence’ for certain defence and security technologies. Importantly, the engineering capabilities we have established here also allow us to customize global products to local requirements, in close collaboration with the customer. This gives our company a competitive advantage in India, and potentially also in other regional markets which we could support